A person’s diagnosis of dementia is extremely upsetting for his (or her) family and friends. The caregiver(s) of someone with dementia knows this all too well. One of the worst parts is when those loved ones who knew the person see him unable to perform basic personal-hygiene tasks, such as taking care of his teeth. That’s why keeping up with good dental habits is crucial for those suffering from dementia. The same holds true if the person has removable partials and/or bridges.
At the office of Capitol Smiles, our dentists and the rest of our expert staff are skilled in treating patients with dementia. We regard them with respect and dignity while helping to maintain their oral health.
It’s unfortunate that a demented person’s dental needs are frequently and unintentionally discounted for reasons that are quite plausible. The person’s absentmindedness leads to inadvertent dental neglect. He can forget the simple act of his brushing his own teeth. Meanwhile, his caregivers and family lose touch with his dental professional because they’re focused on his other needs.
During the initial stages of dementia, honing in on brushing, flossing and getting checkups regularly can prevent the need for more extensive procedures later on, when the patient may be less able to tolerate them.
As the disease advances, continuing an oral health regime may turn into more of a challenge. His caregivers should do their best to take him to his dentist regularly for as long as possible. The visits will help stave off tooth decay, gum issues and other such problems that could end up becoming painful and getting infected. It’s also important to give his dentist a list of all of medications in case any of them have side effects that include dry mouth or other oral health problems.
Capitol Smiles is dedicated to providing superior service and compassionate care for all of our patients. For more information about our office and our many services, please call us today.
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